SALE Sharks head into the final game against Exeter Chiefs knowing a bonus-point victory may not be enough to secure a place in the European Champions Cup next season.

Steve Diamond's side trail Wasps by four points in the battle for sixth spot in the Aviva Premiership.

Fourth-placed Chiefs are trying to finish as high in the table as possible as they bid to get a home tie for the play-offs and they will be a tough proposition for the Sharks.

Meanwhile, Wasps on paper have an easier tie against London Irish but Dai Young's side will be wary of the Madejski side who over-turned Sharks 25-23 to dent their European hopes.

Sale have done everything to put themselves in this position as they beat Newcastle Falcons 34-28 at the AJ Bell on Saturday afternoon.

There was plenty to celebrate as it was a final home appearance for England international Mark Cueto and second-row Nathan Hines.

Cueto marked the occasion by touching down for his 90 try for the club.

Further tries by Chris Cusiter, Sam Tuitupotu, David Seymour and TJ Ioane and three conversions and a penalty by Danny Cipriani wrapped up the win.

Steve Diamond, speaking after the game, said: "We didn't want it to be a celebration without a win and we managed to get that.

"For Mark (Cueto) it was a fantastic send off.

"He started 15 years ago with a try and finished at home with a try so it was the perfect day.

"Mark has gone out at the top so it was perfect from that of view.

"Newcastle are a far better side than they were last year, and they've lost half a dozen games like that so it shows how far they've come.

"I would have certainly like to have won the game by a bigger margin."

Speaking ahead of the final round of Premiership fixtures, he said: "When I first returned to the club, we got into Europe on 10 wins, and now we're on 11!

"It is a tight old league, and there won't be a season like this again.

"We will definitely be going down to Exeter full strength, regardless of the other results."

n Season Tickets for the 2015/16 season are now on Sale, email info@salesharks.com with your name and number and you will be a call back straight away or ring 0161 667 7512/7519.